Beijing Layover Tours, Top Beijing Layover Tours 2025

Beijing Layover Tours | Top Beijing Layover Tours 2025

Beijing has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 3,000 years, blending with ancient imperial heritages and as well as modern skyscrapers. So, why not take advantage of the opportunity to explore the China’s capital city with a layover tour? Asia Odyssey Travel offers a range of Beijing layover tours that are designed to fit into your schedule and maximize your time in the city.

Our Beijing layover tours are perfect for travelers who have a layover of at least 8 hours in Beijing. Our professional and knowledgeable guides will pick you up from the airport and take you on a tour of Beijing's top attractions, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven and the Huongs. We also offer tours that focus on specific themes, such as food, culture, or history. Our layover tours include transportation to and from the airport, so you don't have to worry about missing your flight. We'll make sure that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience in Beijing, even if you only have a short time to spend in the city.

If you have a long stay in Beijing instead of several hours or one day, you are welcome to select from our classic Beijing tours or Great Wall tours. Whatever your preference, Asia Odyssey Travel has a Beijing tour that caters to your needs and desires, ensuring that your journey to Beijing is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Best Beijing Layover Tours

Make the most of your time in Beijing by taking our Beijing layover tour. Our layover tour packages include all services, sightseeing and transportation, so you don't have to worry about any additional costs or expenses. With our knowledgeable guide and convenient transportation, you can relax and enjoy the best of Beijing's cultural and historical highlights, even if you only have a few hours to spare. Trust us to make your Beijing layover experience a truly memorable one.

1 Day Beijing Layover Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall

Beijing

If you're short on time with just one day to spend in Beijing, we highly recommend combining a visit to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China into one trip. The Beijing Forbidden City serve...

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2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing

When mentioning Beijing, what come to mind first? The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Modern Architecture, or Beijing Duck? How about visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just ...

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2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai

Beijing

Are you a Great Wall enthusiastic fan? Set off on an exceptional two-day China Great Wall Tour, traversing the historic trails of China's Great Wall at Mutianyu and Simatai. Mutianyu is one of the m...

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Most Popular Beijing Tours

Which Beijing tour should I choose? There are several popular Beijing tours to choose from, each offering a unique and immersive experience of the city's culture, history, and cuisine. Whether you're interested in exploring iconic landmarks, the Great Wall, world heritage sites, Hutong culture, Beijing cuisine, or experiencing traditional Chinese culture, there's a tour that's right for you. Here are the 6 most popular Beijing tours that attract visitors from around the world for your reference. Contact us to tailor-make your Beijing tour.

4 Recommended Beijing Great Wall Tours

Why Beijing Great Wall Tours? As one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles across China. However, the best sections of China's Great Wall are available from Beijing, with tours ranging from half-day to multi-day excursions. Some popular Beijing Great Wall Tours include visits to the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall. Overall, a Beijing Great Wall Tour is a must-do for many visitors to China, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of China's rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a Great Wall tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Beijing.

2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai

Beijing

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2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou-Jinshanling-Simatai West

Beijing

Visiting the Great Wall, most first-time visitors head to the famous restored sections of the Great Wall such as Badaling and Mutianyu. Those bitten by the Great Wall bug then prefer more “wild” h...

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3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu & Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai

Beijing

China's most famous landmark, and one of the world's most impressive sights, the Great Wall snakes its way across 17 provinces of China. However, nowhere beats Beijing as a base to explore it, with ...

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4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour

Beijing

Immerse yourself in the historical richness and grandeur of China with our 4-day Beijing Tour, "Stepping Back in Time”: A Tour of Beijing's Cultural Highlights, Historic Great Wall, and Ancient Wat...

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Beijing Layover Tours FAQs - Plan Your Beijing Layover Tours Worry-Free

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1. How to get to Beijing? By air & By Bullet Train?

Beijing is a major transportation hub in China, with several options for getting there. The two most popular options are by air or by high-speed train. Here are some useful information for your reference:

1. By Flight: If you are traveling from another country or a distant region of China, flying to Beijing is usually the most convenient option. Beijing has two major airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both airports serve domestic and international destinations and have multiple daily flights from major cities in China and around the world. The flight time from major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to Beijing is usually around 2-3 hours.

2. By bullet train: If you are traveling from nearby provinces or cities, taking a high-speed train to Beijing can be a more cost-effective and convenient option, as there are many high-speed rail lines connecting Beijing to other parts of China. Beijing has several high-speed train stations, including Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station. High-speed trains connect Beijing with many major cities in China, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. The travel time from Shanghai to Beijing by high-speed train is around 4-6 hours, while the travel time from Guangzhou to Beijing is around 8-10 hours.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences, budget, and travel plans. If you're looking for a faster travel time and don't mind the higher cost, flying may be the best option. However, if you prefer a more scenic and affordable option or want to experience China's high-speed train network, taking the train may be a better choice. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which transportation method best suits your needs.

2. When is the best time to travel to Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is from April to early November. In order to avoid being surrounded by thousands of domestic tourists, it is suggested to avoid visiting Beijing during the National Day Holiday (October 1st to 7th).

Many people prefer to visit Beijing in March and April when it is much cooler and not crowded. The average temperature at this time reaches approximately 15 degrees centigrade by day falling to a low of around 5 degrees centigrade at night.

During spring (April, May) and autumn/fall (September, October) the weather is most pleasant, and the views are most spectacular, on average. During summer, expecially from July to August (the rainiest part), it is hot and humid. During winter, Beijing is very cold and dry, with a little snow.

3. Why visit Great Wall sections in Beijing?

As one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) across northern China. It was built over several centuries by various Chinese dynasties to protect against invasions from the north. This vast and complex system of fortifications are mainly located in several Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Gansu, Shanxi, Henan, and Inner Mongolia.

But some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.

1. Badaling Great Wall (Most Famous One and The Most Tourists Visited):
This section of the Great Wall is located about 47 miles (75 kilometers) north of Beijing and is the most popular and well-preserved section of the wall.

2. Mutianyu Great Wall (Most Popular with Foreign Tourists):
This section of the Great Wall is located about 55 miles (88 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its scenic views and well-preserved fortifications.

3. Jingshanling Great Wall (Most Popular Among Photographers):
This section of the Great Wall is located about 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views.

4. Simatai Great Wall (The Only Great Wall that can be Visited at Night): This section of the Great Wall is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its steep slopes and watchtowers.

You can also visit Juyongguan Great Wall (one of the eight scenic spots in Beijing), Jiankou Great Wall, and Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (a holiday resort integrating the Great Wall, lakes and mountains).

Overall, a Beijing Great Wall Tour is a must-do for many visitors to China, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of China's rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a Great Wall tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Beijing.

4. Any useful tips for a Great Wall hike？

Here are some useful tips for your Great Wall Hike:

1) Don't bring too many things. Climbing the Great Wall may make you a little tired, you only need to bring a bottle of mineral water.

2) Those who like to take pictures should not bring too many accessories, just a tripod is ok.

3) Wear flat shoes or sports casual shoes, and don't climb in high heels, otherwise you may hurt you feet, and it is not safe.

4) If you hike with you kids, it is important to ask them not to chase each other on the steep parts of a Great Wall section.

5) Do not climb alone, try to find an experienced guide

6) Make a hiking plan beforehand based on your own condition, including the length of the hike, the items you need to take, and ask someone to be your contact person for emergency.

5. How many days is enough in Beijing?

How many days to spend in Beijing for a tour? The ideal length of time to explore in Beijing depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. However, to get a good feel for the city and see the major attractions, we would recommend to spend at least 2-4 full days in Beijing.

During this time, you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, discover historic neighborhoods like the Hutongs, sample delicious food (such as Beijing Duck & dumplings) at local eateries and markets, and experience the vibrant culture and nightlife of the city. Of course, there are many other interesting sites to explore in and around Beijing, such as the Confucius Temple (Guozijian), Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and the Olympic Park (Birds' Nest & Water Cube), among others.

When you have 5 or more days, you can travel to another city like Xian by high speed train after touring Beijing.

6. What is the reason for visiting Beijing?

Beijing is a city of stunning contrasts, where tourists can marvel at China's imperial past in perfectly preserved palaces, buildings, courts, and parks, while also discovering its vibrant modern lifestyle and dynamic energy. The city's vastness and large distances between locations can be daunting, but it is well worth the effort to explore its many fascinating neighborhoods, such as the historic hutongs that were until recently the mainstay of Beijing's urban landscape, with their narrow lanes and single-story buildings that provide a unique and authentic glimpse into the city's old way of life.

7. What is Beijing best known for?

Beijing is best known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks that have come to symbolize China's centuries-old civilization. The following are the top sites to explore:

The Forbidden City
The Great Wall of China
Hutongs
Tiananmen Square
Summer Palace
The Temple of Heaven

Latest Beijing Layover Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Beijing Layover Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>

Chris Wong

TQ AOT! Amazing Trip To Beijing & Gubei Watertown

We chose AOT as we needed an English speaking guide for our family of 6. Our customised trip to Beijing & Gubei Watertown was amazing! We went in May & the crowd was not that big. We almost had the 2 Great Walls at Jinshangling & Simatai to ourselves! My special appreciation to Claire for her superb advice & patience throughout my whole planning journey. She gave good advice on the food & snacks to buy. If it wasn't for Claire, my planning journey would be a disaster! Another special appreciation to Jennifer, our caring tour guide & also our driver, Mr Cui. Jennifer was super knowledgeable about China's history & culture & she was very kind & patient with our group. She was very professional & caring throughout the trip. Her recommendations on the restaurants, food & snacks as gifts was awesome. Thank you AOT for recommending Claire & Jennifer for our trip!

Destination(s): Beijing

Date of Experience: May 20, 2025

Tour Customized by: Claire

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Ainura K.

11-day Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xian, and Beijing tour.

We recently returned from the 11-day Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xian, and Beijing tour, and I can say it was an amazing experience from start to finish! This small group tour offered the perfect balance of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the ancient wonders of Xian and Beijing, every stop was filled with unforgettable sights and insights into China’s incredible history.
Zhangjiajie was truly the highlight — walking on the world’s highest and longest glass bridge was both thrilling and surreal! The Avatar-like landscapes were absolutely breathtaking.
Special thanks to Issac Wei, who made the trip even more enjoyable with seamless organization, knowledgeable guides, and incredible value.
Highly recommend this t

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: May 06, 2025

Tour Customized by: Isaac

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Attila Béla Bartal

Our second trip to China in a year, excellently organised by Cindy (from AOT)

Cindy (From AOT) organised the second China tour in a year for our group of six Hungarian pensioners, this time on the route Tibet - Xi'an - Zhang Jia Jie - Beijing
Again Cindy did a perfect job, she organized a perfect trip with the best programs.
Dear Cindy, Thank you very much for your hard work, precise program, hotel selection and excellent guides.
I would like to highlight the outstanding performance of our guides Angela (Xi'an) and Meggie (Zhang Jia Jie). They were both very nice, well prepared, thoroughly knowledgeable guides and tried their best to help us with everything during our trip.
Beyond their duties, we were treated with friendliness and were touched by their care and concern. We always felt their helpfulness and care.
It was a great experience for all of us to be in Tibet, to learn a little about the Tibetan people, the history and culture of the Tibetan people. Thank you for the smooth and successful handover of the well-organized TTP at PEK airport. It was a great relief for us.
The Tibetan people amply compensated us for all the excitement. They were very nice, friendly, polite and interested. We appreciated their religious commitment.
Dear Cindy, thank you for everything. I wish you success in both your business and personal life and most importantly, good health.